Services

Professional dental cleaning is needed to remove plaque and tartar which can remain on your teeth even after properly brushing and flossing. Plaque that remains turns into tartar and if not removed effectively by a dental cleaning is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Depending on your unique situation, we may recommend a cleaning every 3, 4, or 6 months. We will clean your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar and then polish them to remove some staining on teeth. X-rays will be taken at least yearly and the doctor will recommend any treatment if needed. The hygienist will also perform an oral cancer screening at each visit.

Sealants: Sealants are a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth-premolars and molars. This resin bonds into the depressions and grooves of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Sealants, “seal out” plaque and food, taking only a few minutes per tooth to protect from decay.

Space maintainer: Space maintainers are an appliance placed in the mouth to prevent tooth movement. This is occasionally done in younger patients whose mouths are still growing and teeth are still coming in.

Consist of doctor evaluation and assessment of the patient’s oral status after examiniation. Examinations are important because neglected oral conditions can lead to serious problems such as infected teeth, tooth loss, shifting teeth and loss of jaw bone.

Root Canal Therapy: Root canals are the tiny passages that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth vertically until they reach the tip of the root. Infection that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves, and other tissue. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. First indications of a possible problem are pain and sensitivity, but pockets of puss can develop leading to an abscess. Treatment of a root canal can consist of one-three appointments.

The first appointment a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber is cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown. The restored tooth can last almost as long as it’s healthy original.

Pulpotomy: Pulpotomy is the removal of diseased pulp with the aim of maintaining the vitality of the rest of the tooth after an adequate dressing has been applied. A pulpotomy is usually done on children with great results.

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements used to replace a missing tooth or teeth, helping to stop or prevent jaw bone loss. The dental implant procedure is categorized as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry, though it also is a form of cosmetic dentistry.
By replacing missing tooth roots, implants offer more than an aesthetic enhancement, providing people with the strength and durability required to eat all the foods they love, without struggling to chew. Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. The actual implant procedure is performed by a specialist like an Oral Surgeon or a Periodontist. After which, the restoration will be created to attach to the implant in our office.

Single Tooth Replacement: To replace only one tooth, the dentist will use a crown. The crown will be custom-crafted to blend seamlessly with the other teeth, in both shape and color. Crowns are composed of ceramic, porcelain, or metal. Metal crowns are more durable than porcelain or ceramic, and are usually placed on back teeth, which endure greater pressure from chewing and biting, and are usually hidden from view. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look more natural than metal, and are usually placed on front teeth.

Implant Supported Bridges: If multiple teeth need to be replaced, the dentist may use a dental bridge that fits over several teeth. The implant-supported bridge is similar to a regular dental bridge, except that it is anchored to the implant instead of other teeth. The restorations will match the shade of the surrounding teeth so they blend in perfectly.

Implant Supported Dentures: In some cases, the dentist can attach a full set of dentures to the lower or upper jaw. Traditional dentures are crafted from either a durable plastic or porcelain. After the prosthesis is crafted and fitted for the mouth, the dentist will attach it to the abutment.

After the Restorations Are Placed: After the restorations have been placed, the implants and new teeth will look great, feel comfortable, and allow for normal and natural smiling, chewing, and speaking. The implant dentist will recommend regular appointments every few months to check the implant and perform a professional cleaning.

Extraction is the controlled removal of non restorable tooth/teeth. After careful examination and x-ray the doctor can determine what your options are for the affected tooth/teeth. Should you elect to remove the tooth/teeth in question; the doctor can do so usually in one visit unless there are multiple extractions which would likely be done in multiple visits. The doctor will make this procedure as quick and painless as possible.

Gum Disease: Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. At regular check-up, yearly the hygienist or dentist will measure the depth of the shallow v-shaped crevice between your tooth and gums to identify whether you have gum disease. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line where they can cause the attachment of tooth and supporting tissues to break down.
Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease; the gums become red, swollen and bleeds easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease; the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged. At this point, the teeth can become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by a dentist.

Dentures: Dentures are a removable appliance that replaces all missing teeth. It is important to replace missing teeth in order to ensure proper chewing of food to maintain overall health. Proper fitting dentures can ensure a healthy, youthful appearance as well as provide for eating of proper nutrition. Crafting dentures may take several appointments to ensure the best fit and appearance as possible. Adjustments may be necessary after you have your denture to alleviate sore spots. Generally, after six months to one year, a lab reline (the acrylic of the denture is lined) will be necessary. This is an additional charge but needs to be done as your tissue may have changed during this initial period.

Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are a removable appliance that replaces some missing teeth. It is important to replace missing teeth to ensure overall health and/or a youthful appearance. Partial dentures are usually on a metal frame with the gum colored acrylic holding the replacement tooth/teeth and requires a few appointments. With today’s product availability, there are multiple product options available. You and the doctor can discuss what options are best for you. Regular dental cleanings are still recommended.

Implants: Implants are surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, as they fuse to the jaw bone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or dentures. Implants offer stability because they fuse to the bone. Healthy gums and adequate bone is a must for implant patients. Our office does not place the implant but we do craft the restorative tooth/teeth that attach to the implant. It is very similar to a crown only it is attached to the implanted anchor. This can be done for a tooth, multiple teeth, or denture. This may take one to two months to complete because several fittings are required. Regular dental cleanings are still recommended.

Bridges: Bridges are a natural looking replacement for missing teeth that are securely attached to the surrounding teeth. A bridge is dependable, looks great and will restore your natural smile. The artificial tooth/teeth are connected on either side to crowns that are placed on neighboring teeth. It takes a few appointments to complete the permanent placement of our bridge, but the end result is worth it! Regular dental cleanings are still recommended.

Fillings: Fillings are necessary when decay has been detected via x-ray or visual examination. The doctor will remove the decay and restore the affected area with either a composite filling material (tooth colored white) or an amalgam filling material (silver).

Crowns: Crowns are a tooth shaped covering that is placed over your natural tooth to strengthen and protect your tooth. It seals out plaque and bacteria and prevents further decay. After determination that a crown is right for you, you and the doctor will discuss the best crown for your situation, taking into concern function, aesthetics, and budget concerns. Crowns consist of at least two appointments.
The first appointment, an impression will be taken of the original tooth, the doctor will remove any decay or old filling material and shape your tooth to hold the new crown. If necessary, a build up is placed to ensure there is enough tooth structure to support the crown. We take a final impression to send to the dental lab where they will precision craft a crown to perfectly match your teeth. At this point, a temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth during the time between your first and second appointment.
The second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and check to be sure the fit and aesthetics of the permanent crown are perfect. Your new crown will be cemented in place and we advise you about proper care of your crown to ensure it lasts for years to come. We do recommend regular professional cleanings continue as a part of proper care.

Whitening procedures effectively restore the smile of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth. The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and tobacco. More and more people today are choosing tooth-whitening procedures to reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains. Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but only are effective on certain types of stains. Bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. Professional whitening is considered to be the most effective and safest method. Our office offers glo® Chairside Whitening System and At-Home Whitening System.

Should you face a dental emergency please call our office. If you are a patient of record and call after our regular business hours, you will be instructed on what number to call for assistance and a staff member will promptly return your call.